Allentown, PA (July 1, 2023) – John Hicks kicked off July with a bang, as he blasted a walk-off two-run homer in the ninth inning to lead the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (38-39, 2-2) by the Rochester Red Wings (36-41, 2-2) by a final of 6-4 on Saturday night at Coca-Cola Park.
Scott Kingery started the scoring in the third as he ripped a two-run homer, his ninth of the season, to put Lehigh Valley ahead 2-0.
In the third, Hicks singled, stole second, and moved to third on a wild pitch before a Weston Wilson sacrifice fly scored him.
Rochester got a run back in the fourth on a Jake Noll RBI double and then trimmed the deficit to one with a Drew Millas RBI single in the sixth.
The IronPigs got a crucial insurance run in the eighth on a Cal Stevenson sacrifice fly to make it 4-2.
Down to their final out, Rochester tied the game with a Nomar Mazara bloop two-run single in the top of the ninth.
Rafael Marchan walked to begin the last of the ninth for the IronPigs. After a strikeout, Hicks stepped to the plate and ended the game with his third homer of the season, giving the IronPigs a 6-4 win.
Ben Bowden (2-1) picked up the win after blowing the save. He allowed two runs on two hits and two walks, striking out one in one inning.
Tyler Danish (0-2) suffered the loss for the Red Wings. He allowed three runs on two hits and a walk, striking out one in 1.1 innings.
The IronPigs and Red Wings continue their series on Sunday, July 2, with first pitch slated for 6:35 p.m.
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